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Summer pasta salad on a white plate on a wide wooden picnic table. Wooden handled fork on the side of the plate. Fresh halved strawberries on the table around the plate.
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5 from 7 votes

Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad is the perfect addition to any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. Makes a great light lunch or dinner, too. Dairy Free, Oil Free, Refined Sugar Free, Gluten Free option.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Entrées, Salads, Sides
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 8
Calories: 245kcal

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 1 lb cellentani pasta or pasta shape of choice (use gluten free pasta if desired)
  • 1 yellow summer squash halved lengthwise and sliced thin
  • 1 zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced thin
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
  • ½ red onion diced
  • 8-10 fresh strawberries halved
  • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • pinch black pepper or to taste

Creamy Balsamic Dressing

  • ¼ cup raw cashews soaked for 1-2 hours if you don't have a HIGH SPEED blender, like a Vitamix or Blendtec
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar start with 3 tablespoons and add more after tasting if needed
  • ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
  • ¼-1/2 cup water to thin (start with ¼ cup and add more if needed for desired consistency)

Instructions

For the Pasta Salad

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool. 
  • Add the chopped veggies, parsley, and strawberries to a large mixing bowl.
  • When the pasta has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and pinch of black pepper. Toss to combine evenly. 
  • Pour the Creamy Balsamic Dressing (instructions follow) over the pasta salad and toss well to combine.

For the Creamy Balsamic Dressing

  • Place all ingredients (starting with 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and ¼ cup water) into a high speed blender and purée until smooth. Add more water to thin if needed for desired consistency. Taste and add another 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar if needed. (Add the water before tasting for additional need of vinegar because the water will dilute the flavor. Also, keep in the mind that once added to the pasta and veggies, the flavor will be diluted again, so you want the dressing pretty strong!).

Notes

This recipe serves 8-10 as a side dish. Nutrition facts calculated based on 8 servings.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 28.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 2.3mg